An artist’s impression of the Mermaid’s Christmas 2008 by Gordon Davidson
Picture and Design Credit: Gordon Davidson
This year, as the sun sets on 2008, The Mermaid invites you to celebrate the festive season in the dramatic and opulent setting of ‘The Maharaja’s Palace’.
On arrival guests enter a kaleidoscope of mirror and reflection to ascend a glittering staircase, adorned in a hanging garden cascade of floral forms and lighting effects, to arrive in the botanical splendour of The River Room.
To maximise our famous riverside vista, the windows of the River Room are transformed in ornate and eastern style, to reflect the lavish architecture of “The Maharaja’s Palace” and frame spectacular views of the Thames, as if seen from the exotic viewpoint of a tropical terrace at sunset.
Lanterns, light boxes and mirrored motifs illuminate the foliage, creating an ambiance of Christmas tranquillity around the drama of the dance floor.
Beyond, a golden staircase and towering palm tree lead guests upwards to the lavish and magically styled Blackfriars Room where all that glitters is gold and where a myriad of moving lights trace the architectural detail of the room.
Windows are decorated in a painted procession of majestic maharaja elephants marching trunk to tail around the room while iconic creatures, portrayed in lantern form, illuminate the walls. Overhead reflections and projections dance around the room while a coconut palm canopy compliments tented areas of rich colourful fabric to create the perfect sumptuous setting for a truly magnificent feast and extra special Christmas celebration.